Lazio chief Fabbiani: ‘Even we didn’t expect Coppa Italia Final’

Lazio director Angelo Maria Fabbiani admits they are the underdogs against Inter in tonight’s Coppa Italia Final. ‘We didn’t even expect it, to be honest.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The winner of the 79th edition of the Coppa Italia will be decided after 90 minutes, or go through extra time and potentially even a penalty shoot-out.

This is an opportunity for Inter to do The Double after the Scudetto, but arguably it matters more for Lazio, who could salvage their season and above all qualify for the Europa League by lifting this trophy.

“Being here is important. It gives us the chance to play for a trophy,” Fabbiani told Sport Mediaset.

“The journey towards this Final was remarkable, we probably didn’t even expect it, to be honest. Following the renewal and rejuvenation of the squad, we didn’t expect Motta would take us to the Final with one of the best goalkeeping performances of all time.

“We can dream about a huge surprise, if it doesn’t happen, we can still say we believed.”

Edoardo Motta saved four consecutive penalties in the shoot-out semi-final victory over Atalanta in Bergamo, having only made his Serie A debut a couple of months ago following Ivan Provedel’s injury.

These sides met at the Stadio Olimpico at the weekend in Serie A, with Inter running out 3-0 winners and Alessio Romagnoli sent off.

However, unlike their other home games for the last few months, this time the Lazio ultras will be present, having suspended their protest boycott.

“In football, the difference is not just made by money. Investment doesn’t guarantee victory, you need planning, long-term vision, and courage. We are showing all of that,” added Fabbiani.

“Everyone can have their opinions, but I believe we should be seeking out young Italians. Just look at Motta, we picked him up from Reggiana and he made a huge impact.”

The only previous Coppa Italia Final of Maurizio Sarri’s career was a defeat, when his Juventus lost to Napoli in 2020.

The Lazio coach is suspended following the chaotic semi-final with Atalanta, so his assistant Marco Ianni is on the touchline, but Fabbiani shrugged off suggestions his future is in doubt.

“I realise the fans want everything straight away, but sometimes that is not possible. We had Mandas and sent him to the Premier League, so we thought that sooner or later Motta would have his opportunity.”

Lazio are in their 11th Coppa Italia Final, having won seven times before, most recently in 2019, and lost three.